After 26 years, Nintendo is bringing back a forgotten classic 'Metroid' game for a gorgeous remake

Nintendo just announced "Metroid: Samus Returns," a new game in the classic series, coming to the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld systems later this year.

This game is a remake, or "re-imagination," of "Metroid II: Return of Samus" — the largely-forgotten second entry in the series, released for the original Nintendo Game Boy in 1991. The game's plot will see Samus infiltrate the planet SR388 in a quest to eliminate every last one of the titular Metroids.

Like its inspiration, "Samus Returns" is a two-dimensional, side-scrolling adventure game. But the game has been completely rethought for the new generation. Samus has a bunch of slick new moves, including the ability to aim while firing, and a melee counter ability that lets you get up close and personal with your foes.

Here's the reveal trailer:

And if that's not enough Metroid for you, Nintendo also announced "Metroid Prime 4," a brand-new entry in the franchise, coming to the Nintendo Switch at an unannounced date.

On a final note, the reveal of "Metroid: Samus Returns" might go a ways towards explaining why Nintendo shut down "AM2R," a fan project with a similar goal of remaking "Metroid II," last year.